Summary

Description

A distinctive fish with a relatively deep body, deep coppery colour with 3 or 4 vertical pale bands and a long chin barbel. Adults are between 20-30 cm long, sometimes reaching a maximum of 45 cm in length. Trisopterus luscus has three dorsal fins set close together, the first dorsal fin being characteristically pointed when in an upright position. There are also 2 anal fins, the first has its origin under the middle of the first dorsal fin. At the base of the pectoral fin is a black mark, approximately the size of the eye. The pelvic fins are long and flexible. The upper jaw is longer than the lower jaw. Older, adult individuals may be completely dark brown, having lost their banding.

Recorded distribution in Britain and Ireland

Common around Britain and Ireland.

Global distribution

-

Habitat

Found inshore and in coastal waters down to 300 m, Trisopterus luscus favour mixed rock and sand habitats. They are also often encountered in and around wrecks.

Depth range

-

Identifying features

Deep coppery colour with 3 or 4 vertical pale bands.

Long chin barbel.

Three dorsal fins and 2 anal fins.

First dorsal fin sharply pointed.

Relatively deep body.

Black mark at base of pectoral fin.

Often between 20-30 cm long.

Additional information

Trisopterus luscus may be confused with Trisopterus minutus (poor cod). However, Trisopterus minutus can be distinguished by its plain colour and narrower body. The haddock Melanogrammus aeglefinus is another similar looking species as it also has a pointed first dorsal fin, however it is differently coloured and has a shorter chin barbel.

The information (TEXT ONLY) provided by the Marine Life Information Network (MarLIN) is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 2.0 UK: England & Wales License. Note that images and other media featured on this page are each governed by their own terms and conditions and they may or may not be available for reuse. Permissions beyond the scope of this license are available here. Based on a work at www.marlin.ac.uk